A Call to Arms for the Philippine Seas

My friends, we stand at a perilous moment in our nation’s history. The specter of aggression looms over our maritime domain, a shadow cast by a rising power that seeks to dominate the region. We must not allow this darkness to consume our waters, our resources, and our very sovereignty.

The Chinese Communist Party, with its insatiable appetite for expansion, has encroached upon our sovereign waters, harassing our fishermen and disregarding international law. This is not merely a territorial dispute; it is a direct assault on our national identity and our right to self-determination.

We must not allow our nation to be swallowed by the rising tide of authoritarianism. We must not allow our fishermen to be intimidated and our resources plundered. We must not allow the spirit of our people to be broken.

The Stealth Runner project is not merely a vessel; it is a symbol of our resolve. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to defending our maritime rights. These sleek, silent ships will patrol our waters, a constant reminder to those who would dare to challenge us that we will not yield.

We must equip our forces with the tools they need to safeguard our nation. We must invest in our navy, our coast guard, and our maritime industry. We must train our people to be vigilant and to be ready to defend their homeland.

Let us not forget the lessons of history. Nations that fail to defend their interests are destined to decline. We must learn from the mistakes of others and act decisively to protect our future.

The time for appeasement is over. The time for action is now. Let us rise to the challenge and ensure that the Philippines remains a beacon of freedom and democracy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Let us build a future where our fishermen can ply their trade without fear, where our waters are safe and secure, and where our nation is respected and admired by all. Let us build a future where the Philippines stands tall and proud, a guardian of peace and justice in the East Sea.